The “DETA” Behind Inclusive EdTech Practices: A Research Review from DETA and WCET

Tanya Joosten

Senior Scientist and Director, Digital Learning, Academic Affairs Research and Development, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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Tanya Joosten is a senior scientist, the director of digital learning research and development, and advisor to the provost for innovation initiatives at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). She is the principal investigator and director of the National Research Center for Distance Education and Technological Advancements (DETA) and has been recognized for her work as she guides strategic digital learning efforts across the globe. 
 
Currently, Tanya leads DETA working to support students’ success, access, and equity through identifying key practices through research that can be implemented and scaled across institutions. Previously, she led faculty development and engagement initiatives and pedagogical and technological innovation projects. 

Cherise McBride

Lecturer, Literacy and Technology, University of California, Berkeley

Cherise McBride is a researcher of digital literacies and teacher learning at the University of California, Berkeley. Her Ph.D. study developed the construct of humanizing critical digital pedagogies (HCDP) – a frame for honoring the lived realities of nondominant communities through socioculturally situated understandings of technology. Cherise’s research agenda includes humanizing digital learning, centering teachers as designers (both in learning and UX expertise), and applying critical approaches to digital education and learning with emerging technologies. A teacher educator and educational leader, Cherise is a former high school English teacher and has coached teachers and higher education faculty across a range of content and educational settings.

Russ Poulin

Executive Director, WCET & Vice President for Technology-Enhanced Education, WICHE (retired)

303-541-0305rpoulin@wiche.edu

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Russ Poulin retired as the executive director for WCET in December 2024. He led the team’s work in supporting the efforts of postsecondary institutions from all 50 states with a focus on the policy and practice of digital learning. Russ was and continues to be a highly sought-after expert and leader regarding policy issues for distance education and on-campus uses of educational technologies. As WICHE vice president for technology-enhanced education, he advised on policy and projects for the regional higher education compact. Russ’s commitment to the field is continually noted, and he was honored to have represented the distance education community on federal negotiated rulemaking committees and subcommittees. Russ has received recognition from the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), the Presidents’ Forum, Excelsior College, and the National University Technology Network (NUTN) for his contributions to postsecondary digital education and educational policy.

Russ received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver and holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For no discernible reason, Russ also writes movie reviews for WCET members. As a movie enthusiast, Russ is most fascinated with characters and plots that surprise him. In addition, Russ is a recovering trivia guy who is also partial to cats and his wife, Laurie.